Interest is high in the board membership for a proposed new resource management and regulatory services company for the Queenstown Lakes District.

The current contract with regulatory contractor CivicCorp expires on 30 June 2008. To provide a seamless change, the Queenstown Lakes District Council has entered into negotiations to take over the contract prior to the expiry date. Last year the council notified its intention to establish a council controlled organisation to deliver the service.

"On the basis that the new company is established, which is still to be the subject of a council hearing next month, we have called for expressions of interest from individuals keen to become directors," QLDC chief executive Duncan Field said.

To date the council had received strong interest.

"At this point we have received eight expressions of interest and indications are there are still more to come in prior to the cut off date." Mr Field said.

He was extremely encouraged by the calibre of people putting their names in the hat.

"The fact that we've had strong interest should not deter others from stepping up. It will be critical to get the dynamics of the board right and the skill sets in balance," Mr Field said.

The role would be both challenging and rewarding and in many ways was unique, he said.

"The right team of people will relish this opportunity to focus on the performance, accountability and strategic direction of resource management and regulatory services in this district," Mr Field said.

A statement of position and the formal proposal were available on the council website www.qldc.govt.nz.

Potential directors had until 5 February to get expressions of interest to the chief executive.

ENDS

For further information please contact Duncan Field 03 441 0499

By: Sarah